GRAPA: A Comprehensive Overview

Here is an overview of how GRAPA came about and we hope to inspire other communities:
  • Residents of Plumstead in Cape Town were concerned about the unhygienic conditions at a public open space (POS) at the corner of Gabriel and Bardia roads which had become a "cesspool."
  • The number of street people setting up tents at the POS increased when the National Disaster Management Act prohibited the confiscation of personal items like tents, bedding, and clothes.
  • They sought a sustainable solution to address the issues at the site without infringing on the humanitarian rights of those living there.
  • Concerns included illegal dumping and the accumulation of human waste at the POS.
  • Residents devised a strategy to convert the location into a community asset.
  • The initiative led to the establishment of the Gabriel Road Area Project Association (GRAPA) in 2020 and became a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) at the end of July 2022
  • GRAPA submitted an application to the City of Cape Town seeking permission to use the 3000-square-meter area as a community vegetable garden.
  • Securing the City's permission to safeguard the field against unauthorised occupation proved to be a challenging and demanding endeavour.
  • With the tireless support of community volunteers, GRAPA prepared the land for gardening through a process that involved clearing, levelling, composting, and securing it with fencing.
  • At the start of 2023, we acquired compost and treated the soil to increase its fertility. Our first plantings consisted of three chilli plants and some corn.
  • GRAPA organised monthly clean-ups and greening, planting over 100 trees in the area.
  • We undertook wall painting projects in communal spaces and established rock and pavement gardens.
  • We set up a mobile CCTV camera for security and installed solar lighting within the garden area.
  • By the end of August 2023, the garden produced carrots, parsley, coriander, kale, spinach, beetroot, Italian parsley, thyme, spring onions and coriander.
  • An orchard comprising lime, lemon and olive trees was planted.
  • We greatly appreciate the generous support of businesses, donors, and our community, which is vital to our mission. Contributions in the form of financial support, compost, mulch, or seedlings, play a crucial role in our efforts.
  • We are proud to have established two thriving organic composts that rely on local assistance in the form of grass cuttings, garden leaves and kitchen waste comprising of vegetables, fruit, flowers, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Ongoing support in these areas is fundamental to our success.
  • The GRAPA garden project aims to enhance food security and biodiversity and to encourage social cohesion by providing a space for interaction and community connection.


Our flagship initiative is the establishment of a Community Food Garden.


Project Overview:

Our Community Food Garden project addresses several critical issues in our community:


  • Food Security: We grow organic produce to benefit marginalised and at-risk individuals and families, especially during times when disposable household income has decreased.
  • Employment Opportunities: By providing jobs within the community, we support self-sustainability and growth.
  • Social Cohesion: We've created a central hub for social interaction, cohesion, and resilience, promoting community well-being and connection.
  • Environmental Impact: Our project fosters biodiversity by providing a habitat for local fauna and flora, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
  • Neighbourhood Improvement: We enhance the neighbourhood’s appearance and provide safe communal areas, thereby positively impacting the quality of life for all residents.


Why Partner with GRAPA?

By investing in the GRAPA Community Food Garden project, an organisation can:


  • Demonstrate Commitment: Showcase your commitment to community development, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
  • Meaningful Impact: Support a project that directly addresses pressing issues like food security, unemployment, and social well-being.
  • Community Engagement: Actively engage with the Plumstead community, building strong relationships with local stakeholders.
  • Brand Visibility: Gain positive brand exposure through project promotion and association with a community-focused initiative.


Project Phases:

The project is structured into three operational phases, each designed to ensure its long-term success:

  • Phase 1A: Establishment of an Indigenous Fynbos Garden, including sheet mulching, landscape designs, and regular watering.
  • Phase 1B: Implementation of a Composting Scheme for local residents, involving organised drop-offs and volunteer support.
  • Phase 2: Development of a Market Garden, including activities like sheet mulching, seed sowing, daily care, and weekly produce sales.
  • Phase 3: Creation of a Permaculture Garden, including hardscaping, sheet mulching, and ongoing plant care. Training and skill improvement opportunities will also be offered.


Benefits of Partnering with GRAPA:

By partnering with GRAPA, an organisation can benefit in various ways, including:

  • Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and community development, bolstering your corporate image.
  • Positive Brand Exposure: Gain visibility through our project promotion and various community engagement activities.
  • Direct Impact: Witness the tangible, positive changes your sponsorship brings to the Plumstead community.


Customised Sponsorship Options:

Instead of predefined sponsorship tiers, we offer the flexibility to craft a sponsorship arrangement that aligns with an organisation’s philanthropic vision and goals. We value open dialogue and partnership, allowing us to tailor our collaboration to best suit CSR objectives.



GRAPA Frequently Asked Questions:


Who contributes labour to the project?

GRAPA has a dedicated team of contributors, including a full-time gardener, a gardener who dedicates 2 to 3 shifts per week, and the head gardener from The Homestead generously volunteers his free time to work in our garden. Additionally, we have a Garden Committee that actively participates, and our community garden volunteers who join our efforts.


Who enjoys the produce harvested from the garden?

Our project's fresh, organic produce benefits both local residents and businesses in the area.


What is the project's social impact?

The project has sparked a remarkable social response by transforming the area into a vibrant green space. It has reintroduced fresh organic produce, promoting healthy eating habits. Our garden has become a haven for butterflies, insects, and birds, contributing to local biodiversity. Notably, the cost of our vegetables remains highly affordable, priced at an average of R10-15 per bunch. We are also dedicated to assisting those in need within our community.


What happened to the street people who were displaced?

We collaborated with the City of Cape Town's Displaced Persons Unit to address this issue. Some of the displaced individuals were successfully reunited with their families, while others, upon learning about our garden project, chose to relocate to other areas within Plumstead and Wynberg.



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